EMP2 Is a Novel Regulator of Stemness in Breast Cancer Cells.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the role of epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) in breast cancer development or progression. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that EMP2 may regulate the formation or self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) in the tumor microenvironment. In silico analysis of gene expression data demonstrated a correlation of EMP2 expression with known metastasis-related genes and markers of cancer stem cells (CSC) including aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). In breast cancer cell lines, EMP2 overexpression increased and EMP2 knockdown decreased the proportion of stem-like cells as assessed by the expression of the CSC markers CD44⁺/CD24^-, ALDH activity, or by tumor sphere formation. In vivo, upregulation of EMP2 promoted tumor growth, wh

SUBMITTER: Dillard C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7415657 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature